Topical steroid potency mnemonic

Pharmacokinetics: The extent of percutaneous absorption of topical corticosteroids
is determined by many factors including the vehicle and the integrity of the
epidermal barrier. Occlusive dressings with hydrocortisone for up to 24 hours
have not been demonstrated to increase penetration; however, occlusion of hydrocortisone
for 96 hours markedly enhances penetration. Topical corticosteroids can be absorbed
from normal intact skin. Inflammation and/or other disease processes in the
skin may increase percutaneous absorption.

Transdermal patches can be a very precise time released method of delivering a drug. Cutting a patch in half might affect the dose delivered. The release of the active component from a transdermal delivery system (patch) may be controlled by diffusion through the adhesive which covers the whole patch, by diffusion through a membrane which may only have adhesive on the patch rim or drug release may be controlled by release from a polymer matrix. Cutting a patch might cause rapid dehydration of the base of the medicine and affect the rate of diffusion.

You can buy some topical corticosteroids "over-the-counter" without a prescription. For example, for dermatitis, you can buy the steroid cream called hydrocortisone 1% from your pharmacy. Do not apply this to your face unless your doctor has told you to do so. This is because it may trigger a skin condition affecting the face ( acne or rosacea. ) Long-term use may also damage the skin. On your face this would be more noticeable than the rest of your body. So usually only weak steroids are used on the face. Those which are suitable are prescription-only.

Pregnancy Category C: Corticosteroids are generally teratogenic
in laboratory animals when administered systemically at relatively low dosage
levels. The more potent corticosteroids have been shown to be teratogenic after
dermal application in laboratory animals. There are no adequate and well-controlled
studies in pregnant women on teratogenic effects from topically applied corticosteroids.
Therefore, topical corticosteroids should be used during pregnancy only if the
potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus . Drugs of this class
should not be used extensively on pregnant patients, in large amounts, or for
prolonged periods of time.

Topical steroid potency mnemonic

You can buy some topical corticosteroids "over-the-counter" without a prescription. For example, for dermatitis, you can buy the steroid cream called hydrocortisone 1% from your pharmacy. Do not apply this to your face unless your doctor has told you to do so. This is because it may trigger a skin condition affecting the face ( acne or rosacea. ) Long-term use may also damage the skin. On your face this would be more noticeable than the rest of your body. So usually only weak steroids are used on the face. Those which are suitable are prescription-only.